Ram Milaayi Jodi does not have any negative characters : Rajita Sharma

Writer Rajita Sharma who has conceived and developed shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Ek Chabi Hain Pados Mein and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is back in action. This time on a new channel with a new show and in a new avatar as well. Rajita has turned producer for Zee's latest offering Ram Milaayi Jodi. However, she is not alone as Viveck Budakoti joins in writer and producer as well. They are producing the show under the banner of Magic Lanterns. Rajita spoke to TellyChakkar.com about her show, expectations and her career graph. Excerpts from the conversation: How would you describe Ram Milaayi Jodi? The concept was initially given by the creative team of Zee. They had given us an idea of the kind of show they want. We worked on that concept and developed the show as you see it today. This is the story of Anukalp and Mona who come from different cultural backgrounds. Their ways of living, working and rituals are all very different. While one is Gujarati, the other one is a Punjabi. One is chilled out and bindaas, the other is reserved and conservative. This show will deal with the situations that arise when these two different individuals meet each other. This is my attempt at creating a ‘slice of life’ serial. Interestingly, the other show you wrote, Yeh Rishta is also in the same time slot. Your reaction... I did develop that serial with the Star Plus team when it started. I always believe one should draw a bigger line than the last one. I don't know whether I will be successful in the new project, but I will definitely try my best. This show is completely different from Yeh Rishta right from the story to the narrative style. From a writer to a producer, how has the journey been? I have been writing for a decade now and before that I had started my career as a documentary filmmaker. Everything put together, I have a combined experience of 15 years. Looking back, I have learnt a lot. In this industry, the day you stop learning, you will stop being successful. Even after 15 years in the industry, I still consider myself as a student and that keeps me going. How do you feel television has changed since you started working? Television changes every day, every week and every month. Shows enter our bedroom and living rooms and so as writers and producers we need to change our shows according to the audience tastes. You need to be dynamic to win a place in the audience’s heart. Nothing is constant in the world of television. No show should be stagnant. Is it true Ram Milaayi does not have a typical negative character? Yes, it is true. There are very few characters with grey shades. This show is completely based on real-life characters and if you look at the characters closely, they are not bad they do certain things according to the situation they are in. Sometimes, they are upset and revengeful -- these are all common traits in any real characters. How was the outdoor experience in Delhi? Fantastic! I love Delhi. Right from Indraprathsta to today's Delhi, we have shot everywhere, in front of the monuments, in Gurudwaras and almost every other place. Delhi has a typical historic feeling which you can't escape from. How did you and Viveck work together as writers? When I was writing Ram Milaayi, the female angle came naturally but with Viveck coming in, we could also get the male perspective in the story. That brought about the much-needed balance. Let me also clarify that we have shown Punjabi and Gujarati families which is completely incidental. This show is based in Delhi for a simple reason -- Delhi doesn't represent a certain state, it's the whole country. Why did you select a new girl opposite Nishant for Mona's role? We auditioned a lot of actors, including experienced ones. But only Priyal had that innocence and rawness required for the role and I needed that. She may say a few wrong lines and give the wrong expression, but I wanted that innocent appeal, which Priyal has. She is very hard-working and always gives her best.